Mobile Device Charging and Docking Station

ABSTRACT

A multi-device charger with an integrated privacy station. The mobile device charger contains a plurality of power options for charging a mobile device. The privacy station of the mobile device charger provides a privacy cover, or shield for concealing a screen of the mobile device from view while the mobile device is charging in the apparatus.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility Patent applicationSer. No. 15/299,409, filed on Oct. 20, 2016, entitled “Mobile DeviceCharging and Docking Station,” and currently co-pending, which claimsthe benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/243,905,filed on Oct. 20, 2015, entitled “MULTI-DEVICE CHARGING AND DOCKINGSTATION”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cell phone chargers, and moreparticularly to cell phone chargers providing a plurality of chargingoptions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the proliferation of mobile devices, the need for chargingcapabilities for the devices has also increased. Because most devicescome out of the box with a wired charger, docking cable, and otheraccessories, the end user is presented with an unsightly tangled mess ofwires to accommodate a wide variety of devices, particularly in a familyenvironment, where a number and types of devices may be present withinthe household.

Similarly, with the proliferation devices, there has been aproliferation of the variety of applications that users consumethroughout the day. Messages, such as texts and emails, social networkfeeds, and the like can present a constant distraction, particularlyduring meals and other close family gathering or quiet times, such asstudying for school and the like. A device carried in a typical chargingstation continues to present an unobstructed view of the display, whichcan cause continued distraction or disruption, even when not in use.Similarly, the user is not provided privacy for incoming messages whenthe device is left to charge.

As can be seen, there is a need for a multi-device charging and privacystation that reduces the clutter associated with these devices and canreduce the distraction presented by the device during quiet times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplatedmodes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. Thedescription is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merelyfor the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention,since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile devicecharger with an integrated privacy station. The mobile device chargercontains a plurality of power options for charging a mobile device. Theprivacy station of the mobile device charger provides a privacy cover,or shield for concealing a screen of the mobile device from view whilethe mobile device is charging in the apparatus.

The mobile device charger comprises a base that extends substantiallyhorizontal so that in some embodiments the base may be amenable to beingplaced on a counter top while charging a mobile device. The base mayalso include a power outlet prong that is located at aft end of thebase. The power outlet prong is selectively positioned between anextended position, so that that the multi-device power station mayalternatively be plugged into and retained in a wall outlet, such thatthe base is held in a substantially horizontal position. The poweroutlet prong may also be positioned in a closed position where it may beconcealed at the aft end of the base, such as when the station is placedon a surface, such counter top, desk, table, and the like.Alternatively, the prongs may be removably attached to the aft portionof the base. In these embodiments, the base will house an AC/DC powerconversion circuit to change the alternating current to a direct currentvoltage output appropriate for the mobile device.

In other embodiments, the base may be provided with a docking connector,such as a mini, micro-USB port, 30-pin, or lightning connector which maybe connected to a computing device, such as a laptop or desktopcomputer, to permit a docking or tethered data connection with thecomputing device. Alternatively, the base may be provided with aretractable cord for docking or connection to a remote charging outlet.

A charging connector and cradle assembly are provided on a top surfaceof the base, at a forward portion thereof, and are adapted to receive acharging end of a mobile device therein. As will be appreciated, thecharging connector and cradle assembly should be adapted to engage withand charge a particular device. Accordingly, in some embodiments, themulti-device charger may be produced according to a particular primarydevice for compatibility of the charging connector and cradle assemblywith the primary device. Alternatively, the charging connector alone orwith the cradle assembly may be a replaceable module to accommodate avariety of primary devices.

The most common charging connectors currently in use for mobile devicesare the micro USB connector, based on standards promulgated by the USBImplementers Forum (USB-IF), and the Lightning connector, which uses aproprietary standard developed by Apple, Inc. Preferred embodiments ofthe present invention provide support for charging mobile devices withports for either a micro USB connector or a Lightning connector. In onepreferred embodiment, a connector is removably placed into the base,allowing the user to switch between a micro USB connector and aLightning connector by removing the one from the base and replacing itwith the other.

In certain other embodiments, the base may also be provisioned with oneor more speakers, and the circuitry in the base may further comprise anaudio amplifier. The charging port of the cradle may be furtherprovisioned to receive an audio signal for playback from the device tothe integrated speaker. A microphone is also integrated into the base insome embodiments, allowing an audio signal from the microphone to besent to the device for recording, phone calls, playing games, or otherpurposes.

A privacy screen is provided at a forward end of the base and extendssubstantially vertically from the base. A lower portion of the privacyscreen may be adapted to form part of the cradle. The privacy screencomprises a substantially flat plate that is aligned substantiallyparallel with a transverse dimension of the base. The base maypreferably have a substantially planar surface that is dimensioned so asto substantially obscure a display of the mobile device while it isretained in the cradle. In preferred embodiments, the privacy screen maybe dimensioned so as to completely conceal the mobile device while it iscarried in the multi-device charging device.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments the privacyscreen mays a substantially flat front surface, which may be adapted todisplay a logo, or picture selected by the primary user of the chargingstation. The privacy screen may also be provided with a light so as toprovide a back light for the logo or may have a diffuser so asilluminate when a device is carried in the multi-device charger toprovide a convenient reference to indicate, such as to a parent, thatthe user's device has been placed in the charger at an appropriate ordesignated time. The base may also be provided with a user selectableswitch, or a settable timer that blocks the audio output from the deviceduring a designated time period so as to limit audio distractions thatmay be presented by the device at inappropriate or designated times.

As seen in reference to FIG. 5, the privacy screen may also include aremovable/replaceable insert that may be attached to the front end ofthe base. In other embodiments of the invention, the privacy screen mayalso be provisioned with a wireless charging device, such as aninductive charger, that may recharge an equipped device when it iscarried in the cradle behind the privacy screen.

At an aft portion of the base, the multi-device charging station mayalso include a pedestal for holding and storing a wearable mobiletechnology device, such as a watch, or fitness band. The pedestalcomprises a vertical post or plate portion attached to the base at abottom end of the post. At the top end of the post, a wearable devicerest portion extends forwardly over an intermediate portion of the base.The rest portion may include a cylindrical or partially-cylindricalsurface portion to support the wearable device thereon. Preferably, therest portion has an integrated charger adapted to charge the particularwearable device. In preferred embodiments of the invention the restportion may comprise a plurality of user selectable module, wherein eachmodule is adapted with to receive a selected wearable device and has acharging system integrally contained therein that is adapted to chargethe particular wearable device. Conductors for powering the chargingsystem may be integrated with, or routed through the pedestal andconnect to a power source in the base. The rest module and pedestal topend may be provided with electrical connectors at a connectinginterface.

The multi-device charger may further comprise a spare battery chargingport and a spare battery. The spare battery charging port may be locatedon an upper surface of the base at a point that is intermediate betweenthe cradle and the pedestal. The spare battery charging port comprises aconnector that is adapted to interconnect with a charging receptacle ofa spare battery pack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent to those skilled in the art after considering thefollowing detailed description in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals designate like partsthroughout, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention showing a mobile device charging and docking station with aprivacy screen;

FIG. 2 is a left-rear perspective view of a mobile device charging anddocking station showing an attached mobile device, rotating and foldingpower prongs, and a nightlight switch;

FIG. 3 is a is a right side view of a mobile device charging and dockingstation showing an interchangeable connector and a USB output port forcharging additional devices;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention showing a mobile device charging and docking station with aprivacy screen;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of a mobile device charging and dockingstation showing a watch station, an interchangeable connector, and anightlight switch;

FIG. 6 is a right-rear perspective view of a mobile device charging anddocking station showing a USB output port and an input port;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary charging circuit usedin an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of an inductive chargingcircuit and its interaction with a mobile device for wireless charging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a mobile device charging and dockingstation is shown and generally designated 100. The charging and dockingstation 100 has a base 102 upon which a privacy screen 104 projectsupward from the base 102. In a preferred embodiment, the privacy screen104 is removable from the base 102, and may be replaced with privacyscreens of different designs. In preferred embodiments, the base 102includes light-emitting diodes (LEDs, not shown) positioned to emitlight upward, illuminating the outside of the privacy screen andcreating a nightlight effect.

As seen in FIG. 2, when a mobile device 106 is placed on the base 102,the privacy screen 104 obstructs the view of the mobile device 106 fromthe front, in turn preventing onlookers from viewing the mobile device106 or its screen. The LEDs may be turned on or off via a switch 108,allowing the user to activate or deactivate the nightlight. An inputport 110 is present on the rear of the base 102. In a preferredembodiment the input port 110 is a micro USB port, but in alternativeembodiments may be a Lightning port. The input port 110 allows thestation 100 to be powered via another device charger. Additionally,rotating and folding power prongs 112 provide an alternative powersource for the station 100.

Shown in FIG. 3 is the charging connector 114 through which the user'smobile device 106 is charged. The charging connector 114 may be a microUSB connector or, alternatively, a Lightning connector. In a preferredembodiment, the connector is interchangeable, and the user can replace alightning connector with a micro USB connector or vice-versa, dependingon the type of device to be charged. The privacy screen 104 may alsoinclude a wireless inductive charging circuit for use with devices thatsupport wireless charging. A USB output 116 is present on a side of thebase 102, allowing for the charging of additional devices.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a mobile device charging and docking station isdepicted and generally referred to as 200. The station 200 has a base202 and a privacy screen 204 extending upwards from one end of the base.In a preferred embodiment, the privacy screen 204 is removable from thebase 202, and may be replaced with privacy screens of different designs.LEDs (not shown) are also present in a preferred embodiment. The LEDsare placed so that emitted light shines upward against the privacyscreen 204, and the privacy screen 204 is thereby illuminated.

In FIG. 5, the station 200 is depicted as having a charging connector206, a nightlight switch 208, and a watch station 210. In a preferredembodiment, the charging connector 206 is an interchangeable connectorallowing for the use of a micro USB connector and a Lightning connector,depending on the type of device to be charged. The privacy screen 204may also include a wireless inductive charging circuit for use withdevices that support wireless charging.

The nightlight switch 208 allows the user to turn the nightlight, whichis made up of LEDs shining upward against the privacy screen 204, on andoff.

The watch station 210 allows for the placement or storage of a wearabledevice such as a smartwatch. Integrated into the watch station 210 arecharging terminals, a charging port, a wireless inductive chargingcircuit, or a combination thereof, allowing the user to charge thewearable device placed on the watch station.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of mobile device charging and docking station200, depicting an input port 212 on the base 202 through which thestation 200 may be powered. In a preferred embodiment the input port 212is a micro USB port, but in alternative embodiments may be a Lightningport. If a lightning port is used, it may be configured to work with a2.4 amp lightning tip or a 4.8 amp lightning tip. The mobile devicecharging and docking station 200 may also include folding power prongs(not shown) in order to provide power to the station 200 through astandard household power outlet. Also present on one side of the base202 is a USB output port 214 for charging additional devices.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an AC/DC converter circuit 300 as used incharging the internal battery in a preferred embodiment of theinvention. The AC input is passed through initial rectifier 302 to aprimary side flyback controller 304. Initial rectifier 302 is notpresent in charging circuits using DC input, and other components of thecircuit would be altered or removed as necessary to the specificcircumstances. A low-profile transformer 306 then steps down thevoltage. A wake-up monitor and synchronous rectifier 308 on thesecondary side of the transformer detects the presence or absence of aload, and signals the flyback controller 304 accordingly. The wake-upmonitor and synchronous rectifier also acts as a near-ideal diode torectify the current. An active charge indicator 310 detects when apersonal electronic device is being charged and turns on light-emittingdiode 332.

In the initial rectifier 302, a neutral AC line feeds one side of adiode bridge 312, while a hot AC line feeds the other side through aprotective fuse 314. The rectified current is provided to the flybackcontroller 304, which is based on a UCC28730 integrated circuit 316. Theflyback controller switches the current through primary winding 318 oftransformer 306, and monitors the current through auxiliary winding 320of the transformer. The winding ratios of transformer 306 may differ indifferent embodiments of the invention intended for sale in differentregions of the world, as appropriate to the standard household outletvoltage of the region.

When there is no load, wake-up monitor and synchronous rectifier 308,based on a UCC24650 integrated circuit 322, sends a series of pulsesthrough the transformer signaling the flyback controller 304 to shutdown, saving power when there is no device connected to the charger. AUCC24610 integrated circuit 324 provides the synchronous rectifierfunction, acting as a near-ideal diode providing high efficiency and lowvoltage or power loss.

Finally, active charge indicator 310 uses a comparator 326 provide avoltage difference across light-emitting diode 332 when a voltage dropacross filter inductor 328 indicates an active device is connected.Light-emitting diode 332 thus indicates when a connected personalelectronic device is being charged.

After the AC input is transformed and rectified, the internal battery ischarged with current provided through 5-volt output 330.

FIG. 8 illustrates the primary components and functionality of aninductive charging system 400 used in some embodiments of the presentinvention for charging a mobile device or a wearable mobile device. Thesystem comprises an inductive mobile device charger 402, which may bepresent in the privacy screen and/or the watch stand in order to chargethe appropriate device, and a mobile device 404. A power source 406,such as an internal battery or rectified current from a power outlet,provides power to an inverter 408. The inverter 408 provides an ACwaveform to a primary coil 410. In a preferred embodiment, the frequencyof the waveform is between 100 and 200 kHz. In a preferred embodiment,the inverter 408 transfers power to the primary coil 410 by afull-bridge switching arrangement at a 50% duty cycle and a 130 kHzswitching frequency. It is to be understood, however, that differentfrequencies may be used according to the needs of any individualproject. A voltage sensor 412 monitors the primary coil 410 and providesdata to a controller circuit 414. The controller circuit 414 in turnadjusts the output of the inverter 408 in order to provide an amount ofpower appropriate to the load provided by the mobile device 404. Thevoltage sensor 412 and the controller circuit 414 may also detectcommunications from the mobile device 404 and respond by increasing,decreasing, or shutting off the provided power.

The alternating current through the primary coil 410 creates a magneticflux, which in turn creates an alternating current in a secondary coil416 inside the mobile device. The current is rectified by a rectifyingcircuit 418 and passed on to the load 420. A controller circuit 422 incommunication with both the rectifying circuit 418 and the load 420causes signals to be sent to the inductive mobile device charger 402requesting the amount of power needed by the load 420. In mostinstances, the load 420 will comprise a battery, and the power necessarywill vary depending on the amount of charge already present in thebattery. The controller circuit 422 of the mobile device 404 maycommunicate with the controller circuit 414 of the inductive mobiledevice charger 402 through backscatter modulation by brief alterationsof the load placed on the secondary coil 416, which in turn are detectedby the voltage sensor 412 in the inductive mobile device charger 402.Additionally, in some embodiments, communication across the primary coil410 and secondary coil 416 may be accomplished through frequency-shiftkeying.

While the above is a description of various embodiments of the presentinvention, further modifications may be employed without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus the scope of theinvention should not be limited according to these factors, butaccording to the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile device charging station, comprising: abase having a first end, a second end, and a charging circuit; a firstcharging connector for the mobile device located between the first endand the second end; and a privacy screen extending generally upward fromthe base and dimensioned to conceal a view consisting of an area on afront side of the mobile device.